Passing the CGC without going to class

All of my dogs have their CGC's, & none of them attended an class geared specifically for it.  I think that our test was around $20, although it's been a little while since we last took it. 

I don't think that it would be unreasonable to try it without going to a class.  All that it tests are basic manners, so IMO, with training, you can pass.  Even if you do fail, you can always train harder, & retake it.  Good Luck!

 A friend of mine who shows her lab had him take it at one of the events she attends and he passed easily.  Check out the requirements on the AKC site and you should also be able to find out where it is offered through them.  Around here several of the training organizations allow you to take the test which they offer at the end of a prep class, so that may be another route.

It really isn't difficult and a well behaved dog will pass without much trouble

IN recent years the AKC has pushed for more consistency in the test (some of it is rather subjective) which has given rise to the classes.  I've had several dogs take it and only had two ... no three ...take the class.

PetSmart SOMETIMES has a tester on staff.  Usually AKC events have testers. 

The list of things tested for are on the AKC website.  (under "CGC";)  The drawback is if you are relying on 'events' to find your source of the test then you may not predictably be able to re-take as easily. 

But to answer your question, no - not at all, it's not 'unheard of'.  But depending on where you are, finding the test can be tricky.

I think it's possible, especially if you're doing regular training with the dog.  Indie passed a mock evaluation for therapy work and had only just started a canine manners class, so it's definitely possible with the right dog. 

Definately not unheard of...lots of people who know their dogs will do well will just take the test only.  Here its $20.00.  I've signed Heidi up for the class which includes the cost of the test.  There was only 1 of the 10 tasks that I felt warranted the class and that is "being approached by another dog." 

We've been working on leash reactivity, and she is improving greatly...but I still felt I wanted to do the class as well.

Go for it...take the test only, especially if you've read about the specific tasks and feel confident your dog will do well.  You can always take it again if needed.

 Emma passed it without taking a class geared towards it. Ena will pass it, too, and her class is just called "basic obedience" but the trainer is a CGC evaluator. Emma gets to participate in CGC testing, now, as the friendly dog. It's $15 at group events or $20 for a single test from our trainer.

Gypsy took NO classes before passing hers. She and I just did our normal every day (and I mean EVERY day!) training. She passed at eleven motnhs.

It's definitely possible, and speaks highly of the dog and handler I think.  Kenya took a class and passed it, but I felt it was almost cheating to take it with people, dogs, and an environment she already knew, so I've tested her twice more with new people in new locations (one location I'd never been to, people I'd never met, just drove in the day of and that was that).  Coke also took a class, but failed the test.  I tested him again last month, again at a totally new place and he passed.  I will re-test my dogs here and there, to make sure we are keeping up with our proofing.